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"Sparkle, Sizzle, and Spectacle: 5 Must-See Summer Firework Festivals in Japan!"
- laverlytravels
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
"Summer is the time for fireworks in Japan! Here's our top 5 and all the details you need"
When summer hits Japan, the skies light up with an explosion of colors, bringing the entire nation together to celebrate the age-old tradition of hanabi taikai—the iconic firework festivals. Picture this: the sound of sizzling rockets, the shimmer of vibrant bursts in the night sky, and the collective "oohs" and "aahs" of crowds around you. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Japan’s firework festivals offer a magical blend of culture, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up five of the most spectacular firework festivals across Japan this summer—each offering unique vibes, incredible fireworks displays, and handy tips for making the most of your visit. Ready to light up your travel plans? Let’s dive in!
As one of Japan’s oldest and most famous firework festivals, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival lights up the Tokyo skyline with over 20,000 dazzling bursts. Held along the iconic Sumida River, this urban spectacle offers stunning views, historical charm, and an electric summer atmosphere right in the heart of the capital.
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025. (Last Saturday of July)
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM.
Location: Sumida River, near Asakusa (two venues).
The first venues are Asakusa Station and Tokyo Skytree Station. The second venue is Kuramae Station . Approximately 20,000 fireworks will be launched over the Sumida river which does not have a river bank so they are reviewed while walking along the streets and the bridges around the river.
Attendance: The festival attracts close to a million people annually.
Special Events: Fireworks competition, viewing from houseboats, cruise ships, and Tokyo Skytree.
Seating: There IS NO seating or places together to view the fireworks.
Access:
Trains: The ideal way to travel, use the trains around the first venue on the Tokyo Metro, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line, and Honjo Azumabashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line. For the second venue, use the Toei Oedo Line and Toei Asakusa Line, Ryogoku Station and Asakusabashi Station on the JR Line.
Cars: There is no parking for the firework festival and the traffic restriction period means traffic cannot move easily between 6pm and 9:30pm.
History: The festival dates back to the Edo period, originally a ceremony to console victims of a famine and an epidemic.
Biggest Tip: The city blocks off any potential places for people to stop and gather to watch the fireworks so you will be constantly walking in very crowded foot traffic. My biggest recommendation is to book a restaurant with a potential view of the fireworks so you can sit and enjoy them fully.
In Aichi Prefecture, the Toyota Oiden Festival brings a modern twist to summer celebrations. After a week of community dancing and parades, the festival ends with a jaw-dropping firework finale, featuring cutting-edge pyrotechnics synchronized with music and lights over the Yahagi River.
Date: July 27th, 2025
Time: 7:00PM-8:40PM
Location:Yahagi riverbank, Shirahama Park area, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture
Viewing:The festival is actually split across two days with the day before being a giant dance off in the town and the second day being a firework festival. The dancing takes place in two stages, with "My Town Oiden" held in various locations and "Oiden Sou-Odori" held on the last Saturday in July. Fireworks wrap up the evening with an impressive display of melody fireworks, Niagara Falls fireworks, star mines, trick fireworks, hand-held fireworks and more that draws about 360,000 people each year from the city and beyond.
Seating: Tickets for this year's seating have finished, however it is possible to view from outside the ticketed area.
Access:
Car: Parkingis very limited and coming by car is discouraged as traffic buildup is horrendous.
Public transport: Multiple trains and buses feed into the area and the events website lists the last train to be wary of.
Biggest Tip: Between Kyoto and Tokyo Aichi is a great stop between the two. Make use of many local trains in the area and visit all the great things Aichi has to offer.
Held in Niigata Prefecture, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is more than just a show—it’s a moving tribute to peace and recovery, featuring colossal fireworks like the awe-inspiring Phoenix. With choreographed music and emotional storytelling, this is one of Japan’s most powerful and unforgettable displays.
Dates:August 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
Time: 7:20 PM - 9:10 PM (subject to change).
Location: Shinano Riverbed, downstream of Chosei Bridge, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
Fireworks: Approximately 20,000 fireworks will be launched over the two days, including the "Phoenix" and "Shakudama".
Viewing: Official viewing area tickets range from ¥3,000 to ¥18,000. Free spots are available but tend to fill up quickly.
Access:
Public transport:
Trains: Nagaoka Station is accessible by Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo . The festival venue is a 20-minute walk from the station. (Shinkansen tickets tend to be sold out quickly and although the walk is 20 minutes the wait time for a train can stretch to an hour in the crowds back so plan accordingly.)
Car: Parking is available near the venue, but it's recommended to make reservations in advance
Considerations: Light rain won't stop the show, but severe weather could cause postponement or cancellation. Heavy traffic and crowds are expected after the event.
Biggest Tip: The lottery for this years (2025) viewing spots has finished (Held between May 26 12:00 to June 6 17:00 *Japan time). Free spots are available along the edges but arrive early for a good seat.The fireworks are so big you can see them clearly even from non-ticketed areas.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean in between Mie and Wakayama Prefecture, the Kumano Fireworks Festival is a fiery fusion of nature and spectacle. Watch as 10,000 fireworks launch from boats and reflect off the water, with sacred cliffs and ocean mist creating a mystical coastal experience.
Date: August 17th
Location: Shichiri Mihama Beach in Kumano City
Highlights:
San-shaku-dama Kaijo Jibaku: A large firework (about 90cm diameter) launched from a boat and exploded over the sea.
Onigajo Daigaku: Fireworks set off from the rocky formations and caves of Onigajo.
Duration: The show typically lasts for about two hours, starting around 7 PM.
Historical Significance: The festival is said to be a memorial service for the deceased, with origins in burning lanterns and fireworks.
Seating: You don't need tickets to view the firework festival itself however keep in mind you will be viewing from a beach so prepare blankets or small chairs for your own comfort.
Other Information: The festival is known for its stunning visual effects, with fireworks reflected on the water and powerful explosions echoing from the rocky cliffs. Due to its location on the beach, there's a higher chance of postponement or changes due to weather.
Access:
Public transport
Trains: You can get trains from Nagoya station and Shin Osaka Station easily enough (Trains will be packed with people and ticketed trains may be sold out early)
Cars: There are multiple temporary firework parking lots as well as the TokuP system where people rent out their parking spaces for a fee
Fair warning! Many roads are closed on the day of the fireworks which leads to long waits (usually a couple hours to leave the fireworks after).
Accommodation: Hotels and BnBs in the area tend to be filled up very quickly and far in advance. ALternatively there is a homestay system where you can stay in someone's home which is still open now.
Biggest tip: My biggest tip is to stay somewhere within Kumano and get the train 2 or 3 stops to the firework area. If you are doing this, plan ahead as others often do the same and places fill up quickly.
Welcome to Japan’s most prestigious fireworks competition, held in Akita Prefecture. The Omagari Fireworks Festival gathers the nation’s top pyrotechnic artists in a spectacular showdown. Expect jaw-dropping displays, intricate designs, and a fierce yet beautiful contest that lights up the northern skies.
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Time: 5:10 PM - 9:30 PM.
Location: Omagari Fireworks Park (Yokote Riverbank), Daisen City, Akita Prefecture.
Event Type: National Fireworks Competition, one of the three largest in Japan.
Features: A competition where pyrotechnicians showcase their skills and artistry in creating unique fireworks displays. The event includes both daytime and nighttime fireworks, with the daytime displays being a rare and fascinating aspect of the competition.
Tickets: Tickets are available and can be purchased through Lawson and Eplus. You must have a japanese address for tickets to be delivered to so if you're a foreign resident i recommend putting in a friend or hotels address for retrieval
Seating: There are many possible tiers for seating and it is a first come first serve basis. It is also possible to view the fireworks outside the ticketed area but you will have no access to the temporary toilets or food stalls.
Viewing:
The festival attracts a large number of visitors, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.
The event includes food stalls and other attractions, making it a lively and festive atmosphere.
Be prepared for crowds and consider learning some basic Japanese phrases, although many people are friendly and helpful.
If you plan to use a tripod for photography, be aware of the viewing area restrictions and potential crowds.
Consider dressing warmly as the weather can be cool in the evening
Access:
Public transport
Trains: By far the best way to travel to and from. Extra trains often run past midnight to accommodate the amount of people. If you reserve a train ticket, give yourself plenty of time to get to the train on time because returning crowds will hold you up.
Biggest Tip: My biggest tip is to stay in a town more local to the area and get the extra trains back after the event is over.
Japan’s firework festivals are more than just visual spectacles—they’re unforgettable cultural experiences that bring people together under the stars. Whether you're chasing the ocean breeze in Kumano or the competitive sparkle of Omagari, these events promise memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to use this guide to plan your perfect summer night, and don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more incredible events, travel tips, and seasonal adventures across Japan!
-LaverlyTravels 24/07/2025
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